Engine idling up and down

STANLEYCAPRILES

MEMBER
2002 BUICK LESABRE
125 MILES

My car was heating up on & off I checked the radiator hose it clamped. I have antifreeze in the car and while yield or stop at traffic light I feel the engine idling up and down. Also when starting the engine the car crank several time before starting. Yesterday the car was cranking but wont start anymore. Any solutions/advice

Stan
ARUBA

1 Reply

SQM

MECHANIC
6,383 POSTS

Hello,

It sounds like you might have an issue with the idle air control valve.
The idle air control valve is located on the throttle body.
When the idle air control valve becomes dirty it can impact the idle quality of the engine.
Over time larger air particles can stick to the inside of the valve, crating restriction, which will impact how the engine idles.
The idle air control valve can be cleaned and many times that will take care of the idling issue.

Here are couple of helpful articles:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-idle-air-control-valve-works
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/idle-air-control-valve-service

It will also be a good idea to clean the mass air flow sensor as well as the throttle body. This way all these critical components will be clean and can function properly.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/throttle-actuator-service
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/mass-air-flow-service

I have attached diagrams for your reference.

Please let me know of any questions.
Thank you.

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